Man facing felony charge for string of petty thefts

A Kalispell man is wanted on a $10,000 warrant after allegedly going on a months-long theft spree at local businesses.

Gerald Dean Ewing, 38, was charged last week in Flathead District Court with felony theft, a common scheme.

According to court documents, Ewing engaged in a string of thefts in Kalispell from May 6 until Sept. 13, in which local retailers lost more than $3,000 worth of property.

The scheme allegedly began on May 6 when Ewing was observed leaving Super 1 Foods with a rotisserie chicken he didn’t pay for.

On May 16, Ewing allegedly walked out of The Buckle at Kalispell Center Mall with a pair of stolen jeans under the pants he walked in with. When workers shouted at him to stop, Ewing allegedly ran away.

A few days later, on June 6, Ewing allegedly left Target with two vacuum cleaners he did not pay for. He returned to Target on June 18 and tried to exchange one of the vacuums for cash.

On July 20, Ewing allegedly took several tools out of Northwest Drywall without paying for them. He is believed to have also stolen a spray gun from Sherwin Williams on July 23.

Then on Aug. 10, Ewing allegedly walked into Walmart, picked up a compound bow and chainsaw and attempted to do a no-receipt return. According to court documents he was denied, and then walked out of the store with the items without paying.

On Aug. 21 Ewing allegedly returned to Walmart, picked up a vacuum cleaner and exchanged the item for $389 without paying for anything.

Nine days later Ewing allegedly tried to repeat his previous vacuum scam at Walmart, but was unsuccessful, and walked out of the store with a vacuum he did not pay for.

On Sept. 1 Ewing allegedly took various hiking items from Sportsman & Ski Haus and was able to exchange them for a $169 gift card. A few days later Ewing allegedly stole an $80 bottle of cologne from Ulta Beauty Store. Then on Sept. 13, Ewing allegedly picked up and tried to exchange a box of Legos and a security system from Walmart. He was denied and store workers claimed he walked out of the building with the items, without paying.

An arraignment date has not yet been set.

Reporter Megan Strickland can be reached at 758-4459 or mstrickland@dailyinterlake.com.